The ongoing leadership crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly took a dramatic turn on Monday as a heavy security presence was observed around the Assembly complex during a plenary session.

Security personnel and patrol vans were stationed both within and outside the premises in Alausa, Ikeja, as tensions ran high. In anticipation of the session, security operatives manned key access routes leading to the Assembly complex.

A brief standoff occurred when some security officers attempted to gain entry into the chamber, causing a delay in proceedings for several hours. However, Speaker Mojisola Meranda and 32 lawmakers were present for the plenary.

While the agenda for the session remained unclear at the time of reporting, some legislators were seen conversing in small groups within the Assembly grounds.

While there is no official communication from the House as at the time of going to press, it was gathered that the leadership of the House remains intact, but growing speculation suggests that Meranda has either been asked to resign or faces the threat of impeachment. Assembly workers were also seen gathered around the Speaker, voicing their support for her continued leadership.

Last month, the House removed its long-serving Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, over allegations of financial misconduct and other charges. In a historic move, the lawmakers elected Meranda, representing Apapa Constituency 1, as the first female Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Defending Obasa’s removal, Abiodun Tobun, who represents Epe Constituency 1, stated, “The Constitution grants the House the authority to regulate its affairs. The members decided that they could no longer continue under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa. Today, we have unanimously chosen Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda Lasbat as the new Speaker of the House.”

Tobun further emphasised that the lawmakers have a duty to “restore the sanctity and integrity of the House.”